Dhelicate, very fast floweringosmanthus is considered an “ephemeral” flower precisely because it blooms quickly and flies away just as quickly. Leaving behind a light apricot aroma and freshness. Yet, precisely because of these characteristics that are difficult to capture, noses have dedicated perfumes to him that try to enclose the transience of the moment of maximum flowering. In all its sweetness.
Perfumes with osmanthus, the flower of the dormant season
When all other plants are asleep, osmanthus blooms. It only takes a few days and, if you are not careful enough, you risk losing it. Also because its flowers are very small, almost invisible to the distracted eye, but not to the nose. The aroma of these flowers is in fact very similar to that of apricots, sweet without being cloying. It is no coincidence that, despite being a flower, osmanthus belongs to the fruity olfactory family.
Native to China and Japan, the osmanthus flower it is one of the very few that blooms during the colder months and was brought to Europe during the 19th century. Perhaps precisely because of its delicacy, this flower has become a symbol of romance and love in Asia. According to tradition, it was the future bride who gave it to her husband’s family as a sign of respect and as bonheur for the future birth of children. Also used to flavor tea and to sweeten some dishes, this flower is also present in perfumery.
Osmanthus, an ephemeral but special note
The latest creation revolves around this particular flower Osmanthus 19 Of Le Labo, part dthe collection City Exclusive. This perfume is dedicated to Kyoto and recreates the precise moment in which the trees bloom and the city streets are invaded by this suede aroma. Which joins that of the incense of the many temples of the city and the resins and woods of the traditional houses. A perfume dedicated to a flower which, however, is not floral: the osmanthus note is in fact considered fruity and is enhanced by lavender and above all by incense.
Among the novelties of the season there is also Osmanthus Abricot de L’Occitane. From the new collection Flora Orchestradedicated entirely to flowers, the flower joins the apricot accord, which enhances the natural aroma of the skin, with a unique and delicate aroma.
Osmanthus has always been a very dear note even on the nose of Jean Claude Ellena who, in the years in which he was the creator of fragrances for Hermès, chose it several times. As in Osmanthe Yunnanborn after a nose trip to China. In Beijing’s Forbidden City, osmanthus is in bloom in November and pairs perfectly with tea from the Yunnan region.
Osmanthus and jasmine are the floral couple also featured in 1932 Of Chanel. Dedicated to the first line of high jewellery, 80 pieces created in 1932, the shine and transparency of diamonds are honored by this olfactory combination, together with pear and grapefruit. Last but not least, joyful and sunny, Fleur d’Osmanthus Of Roger Gallet it is a scented water to be sprayed liberally. Inside the mandarin and apricot, which gives freshness and joy. Even in the middle of winter.